Program

The Pushpanjali dance is often the first dance in a Bharatanatyam performance. The dancer offers symbolic flowers in salutation to the lord of dance Nataraja, as well as the teacher, the musicians, and the audience. It is followed by a piece in praise of the Lord Rama, who is the husband of Janaki (Sita). He destroyed the ten-headed Raavana, and is the one sages pray to and are blessed by.

Raagam: Naattai

Taala: Khanda Chaapu

Composer: Purandara Dasa

Language: Sanskrit

A Jatiswaram is a rhythmic piece as it portrays "nritta" or pure abstract dance. The name Jatiswaram comes from "jatis" or drum syllables and "swarams" or musical notes.

Raagam: Ragamalika

Taala: Talamalika

Composer: Smt. Ranganayaki Jayaraman

This piece depicts the story of Andal, an ardent devotee of the Lord Vishnu. Her father, who had wished for a child, found baby Andal in a Tulasi garden and took her as his own. As Andal grew up, she became a large devotee of Lord Vishnu. One day, she entered the temple and wore the garland meant for Lord Vishnu. Her father later came to the temple and was furious to find a hair in the garland meant for the god and threw it aside. Lord Vishnu then spoke to him and declared that he only wanted the garland worn by Andal.

Raagam: Keeravani

Taala: Chaturasra Eka

Composer: Gangaimuthu Pillai Nattuvanar

Language: Tamil

In this Varnam, the devotee addresses her lover Krishna: 'Is it just that you behave like you are unaware of my love for you? Did you learn all your tricky ways from childhood? You dance with many gopis in the garden of Brindavan. O Lotus-eyed one, who has lotus hands & feet, because of your hard heartedness towards me, I am forlorn & weary with this separation. O beautiful Krishna, will you not alleviate my grievances?'

Raagam: Chaarukesi

Talam: Aadi

Composer: Sri Lalgudi G. Jayaraman

Language: Tamil

This piece describes the Lord Shiva, who carries the drum and fire in his hands. He is a thousand times more beautiful than the god of love Lord Manmatha, and he is adorned with snakes and rides on the bull Nandi. He protects all, and sages worship him. Once, when the sky had broken and the river Ganga was released from the heavens, she tried to wash Lord Shiva away. Lord Shiva then encapsulated her in his matted locks of hair.

Raagam: Revati

Taala: Aadi

Language: Tamil

This piece depicts a gopi and her friend who, frustrated by Krishna's antics, decide to complain to his mother Yashoda. They tell her about their freshly churned butter that magically vanished without a trace, how when they had tied him up he somehow managed to break his bonds and escape. They go on to complain that he flirts with them constantly, pulling at their saris, winking at them, and even kissing them on the lips in front of everyone. Fed up, they tell Yashoda to take her son and go, as they are done with his mischievous doings.

Raagam: Misramand

Taala: Aadi

Language: Telugu

The Thillana is the joyous finale of a Bharatanatyam arangetram. It presents itself with rhythmic precision and grace & fluidity. The lyrics of this piece praises Lord Muruga, the spear holder, who rides a peacock showering devotees with his compassion.

Raagam: Shivaranjani

Taalam: Aadi

Composer: Maharaja Poodham Santhanam

Language: Tamil